Saman Samadi is a Persian-American composer, performer, and musicologist who recently completed his PhD at the University of Cambridge. His compositions span orchestral, chamber, solo, and electroacoustic genres, acclaimed worldwide. Drawing inspiration from composer under the rubric New Complexity, Samadi's music weaves Persian music, poetry, language, visual arts, and postmodern philosophy. His notational approach incorporates microtonal modes derived from Persian classical music, creating a new pitch space that infuses his compositions with intricate layers of heterophonic texture, employing polyrhythms and polymeters, embracing linguistic complexities, all conveyed through a sophisticated method of musical notation that enables fidelity. As a music scholar, he explores ethnomusicology, Persian music, composition, semiotics, and more, examining culture, language, and sonic expression. Samadi's artistic endeavors reflect a polymathic sensibility, pushing boundaries in Persian classical and contemporary Western art music.
Samadi's journey began at NODET, an esteemed institution for mathematical prodigies in Iran. Further studies in Philosophy and Artistic Research enriched his academic pursuits. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance and a Master of Arts in Composition from the University of Tehran. His talent was recognized through awards like the 2012 Counterpoint-Italy International Composition Competition's first prize and the NYFA's Artist Diploma in 2015.
An active participant in New York City's experimental music scene, Samadi formed various ensembles and served as faculty at the Music School of New York City and Piano School of NYC. His dedication to scholarly pursuits led to roles like Editorial Officer for the Wolfson Research Event. He founded and directs the Cambridge University Experimental Music Ensemble. Samadi's academic achievements were recognized through his appointment as a Grantham Scholar at Cambridge and his role as President of the Wolfson College Music Society.
www.samansamadi.net